Coin-controlled weighing-machine.



N0. 696,598. Patented Apr. I, I902. G. F. W. SCHULTZE.

COIN CONTROLLED WEIGHING MACHINE.

(Application filed Oct 21, 1901.\

4 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

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No. 696,598. Patented Apr. I, I902. G. F. W. SCHULTZE.

COIN CONTROLLED WEIGHING MACHINE.

(Application filed Oct. 21, 1901.)

(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 3.

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--14------ HI In I Patented Apr. I, I902.

G. F. W. SCHULTZE.

COIN CONTROLLED WEIGHING MACHINE.

(Application filed Oct. 21, 1901.

4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

(No Model.)

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFl'CE.

GUSTAV F. \V. SOIIULTZE, OF BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA.

COiN-CONTROLLED WEIGHING-MACHINE.

SPEQIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 696,598, dated April 1, 1902.

Application filed October 21,1901. Serial No. 79,568.

To (tZZ 7 071.07 it 77mg concern.-

lleit known that LGUsrAv F. W.ScnULrzE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Berkeley, county of Alameda, State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Coin-Controlled Weighing- Machines; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact descrip tion of the same.

The present invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in that class of weighing-machines wherein a nominal charge is made in order to ascertain the weight of the person desiring to be weighed or to that class known as coin-actuated weighing-machines. In this class of machines the person after stepping upon the scale-platform deposits a coin in a suitable runway which coin controls the action of suitable hidden mechanism. The insertion of the coin throws into operation suitable mechanisms which control the scale and cause the weight of the person either to be displayed or delivers printed slips with the weight of the person stamped or printed thereon.

The object of the present invention is to provide means whereby the person to be weighed may register a guess as to his weight prior to inserting the coin, which means are so arranged that in case the guess registered corresponds with the weight of the person as indicated by the scale-dial the coin deposited will be returned to the operator of the machine. In case of a variance between the weight indicated by the scale-dial and that registered by the user or person weighed the coin or money deposited into the coin-runway remains within the machine as payment for its use.

The invention also resides in means whereby the insertion of the coin or moneyinto the coin-runway will automatically lock the registering dial or indicator for the guess, so as to prevent the same being tampered with or the guess being changed after the insertion of the coin or money within the coin-runway; also, in means whereby the movement of the coin is controlled in accordance as to whether the guess corresponds with the weight of the user of the machine or varies therefrom.

To comprehend the invention, reference pended the counterpoise -weight 10.

(No model.)

should be had to the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein- Figure l is a front View of the machine with its casing partly broken away. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view, in side elevation, displaying the coin-actuated mechanism. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view on line a; of Fig. 4 viewed from the rear of the machine, the parts being in their normal position. Fig. a is a sectional top plan view. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail view of the coinactuated mechanism, illustrating the position of the coin-pocket and the operating-arm for releasing the coin upon the upward movement of the coin-pocket. Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view,in side elevation,looking at the machine from the opposite side to that disclosed by Fig. 2 of the drawings; and Fig. 7 is a broken detail view of the coin-tube, disclosing its coin-deflecting gate and a portion of its branch runway. I The numeral 1 is used to indicate any suitable style of easing, the front of which, near the upper portion, is provided with a glass covering 2. his casing is mounted upon a suitable base 3, which base supports the scaleplatform. Saidplatformisconnectedtoone end of the fulcru med lever 5, the opposite end of which is attached to the scale-rod 6. This rod at its upper end is secured to the band 7, which band or strap is attached to the hub S of the gear-wheel 9. From this wheel is sus- Said gear-wheel 9 is mounted upon shaft 11, working in bearings of brackets 13, depending from frame 14. To the shaft 11 is secured an arm 15, carrying an adjustable weight 15. The gear-wheel 9 meshes with pinion 16, attached to cross-shaft 16, working in bearings 17. To the outer end of this shaft is fastened the scale-dial 1S and to the inner end thereof an arm 19.

The foregoing constitute the parts of one form of an ordinary platform balance-scale, and therefore call for no specific description as to their workings.

The scale-dial 18 is completely hidden from view by the cover-plate 2, excepting when the shutter 20 is raised. "When this shutter is lifted, as will be hereinafter explained, the dial-number indicative of the persons weight is exposed to view through sight-opening This scale-dial is provided near its outer edge with figures indicating pound-weights ranging from one to any desired number.

In advance of the scale-dial 18 is arranged a movable dial 21, which is attached inside the casing to a stud 22, extending through bushing 22, inserted in the front of the casing and in line with shaft 16. This movable dial shall hereinafter be termed the set dial. To the outer end of this stud is socured the friction-knob 23, which projects beyond the front of the casing. Like dial 18,

the movable or set dial has arranged thereon nearits outer edge a series of graduated numbers which correspond with those of the said scale-dial. As the set dial 21 is rotated these numbers are exposed to view through the cover-plate. The periphery of said set dial is notched or formed with a series of teeth 23, with which engages the edge 24 of the lever 25, fulcrumed to the inside of the casing. By means of this lever the set dial 21-is held locked in its adjusted or set position after the required coin has been placedin' the machine, so as to lock the said dial against movement in either direction.

Through the front of the casing preferably extends the coin-runway 26, the rear end of which terminates at a point, so as to permit of the coin b dropping into a pocket 27. The forward end of the runway is partlyclosed or covered by the inwardly-turned end 26 of a fulcrumed lever 27", so that in order to insert the coin bwithin the runway it is required to force the outer end of the lever 27 downward to wholly uncover the outer end of said runway and give clearance for the entrance of the coin. To the inner end of the fulcrumed lever 27 are attached the wires 2829. Wire 28 connects witharm a of a bell-crank lever 30, the opposite arm a of which lever bears against the under face of the outer end of lever and holds same upward. The moment outer end of lever 27 is depressed to clear the coin-runway its inner end moves upward, which through connecting-wire 28 exerts an upward pull upon arm a of bellcrank lever 30 and throws arm'ot' thereof downward, and thus releases lever 25. The outer end of thislever overbalances its inner end. Hence the moment the leveris released its inner end is moved upward until its edge 24 engages with the teeth of the set dial 21. It will thus be seen that the insertion of the coin locks the disk 21 against movement or rotation by the operator, which coin is inserted while the person desiring to be weighed is upon the platform 4.

Wire 29 is attached to a spring 31, which in turn is secured to arm 32, extending from the deflecting-gate 33, hingedwithin the vertical coin-tube immediately above the branch runway 34. The pressure of this spring is sufficient to draw the inner end of lever 27 downward after the coin has :been placed within the runway 26, so as to cause ner endof shaft. 16.

the outer end thereof to move upward and partly close the entrance of the coin-runway. During this movement of the lever 27 the bell-crank lever 30 is restored to its normal position. For this purpose it is only required that arm a be made slightly heavier than its arm a. i

To prevent undue vibration of the scale-dial 18, a rod 36 is pivoted to gear 9, the lower end of which rod carries a valve 37, which works in a dash-pot 38. This dash-pot is filled with glycerin or otherfiuid, which will serve to retard the movement of the valve therein sufficient to hold the scale-dial steady.

The moment the person desiring to be weighed steps upon the platform 4 the weight.

of such person will draw the scale-rod 6 downward. This movement of the rod. through its connecting mechanism causes the scaledial to rotate until it has turned such a distance as to place the number corresponding to theweight of the person directly behind the shutter 20. It will-be understood that as the person weighed steps off the platform 4 the scale-dial returns to its normal position and the scale-rod 6 moves upward. To this rod is attached a collar 39, which during the upward movement of said rod engages the lower end of rod 40 and raises same. The upper end of said rod 40 is connected to the outer end of fulcruined lever 25, so that as said rod 40 is lifted or moved upward the outer end of lever 25 is raised and its inner end lowered and its engaging edge-24 removed from engagement with teeth 23 of the set dial 21, and the said dial thus released.

The coin inserted in runway 26, as stated,

falls into the pocket27, which pocket is secured to the outer end of lever 41. This lever is attached to shaft 43, working in bearings 44 of brackets 45, upwardly extending from frame 14'. Said lever 41' is slightly overbalanced by counterweight 46,attached thereto. The adjustment is such that theweight of the coin b when deposited within pocket 27 will be sufficient to overcome that of weight 46 and cause the said pocket to swing downward. The bottom of the pocket is open, being partly closed by the hinged'section 47. This section is normally held closed by weight of arm 1), extending from axleb to which the section-47 is secured. During the downward movement of the pocket 27 thearm 48 rides upon studs or pins 42, projectingfrom acurved plate 48'. This downward movement or swing of the pocket 27 is limited by the arm 49, secured to shaft 50, working in bearings 51 of brackets 52, projecting from frame 14, engaging with arm 19, attached to thein- Shaft 50 is rotated during the travel or movement of the coin-pocket by the rack-54, carried by lever 41, engaging pinion 55, mounted on said shaft. It will be understood that the arm 19 is carried around with the rotationof the scale-dial and stands at rest when the said dial registers the weight of the person upon the platform. When the ceases weight is removed, the scale-dial, as stated, returns to its normal position. As the scaledial returns an opposite movement is imparted to arm l9thatis,it is thrown upward. As the arm 49 engages therewith the return movement ofarm 19 will force arm 49 upward, rotating shaft 50 and causing its pinion to force lever ll in the same direction through the medium of rack 5i. The coin-pocket 27 is thus raised so as to rest below the inner end of the coin-runway and be in position to receive the next coin deposited in said runway. During thislmovement or return stroke of lever ll, carrying the coin-pocket, arm 48 engages with studs or pins 42 of plate 48 and is pressed downward against arm 56 or" axle b and turns same, so as to swing hinged section 47 upward, thus clearing the open end or bottom of the coin-pocket and permitting the coin to drop therefrom into upper enlarged end 57 of coin-tube 35. It the deflecting-gate 33, located within said tube, is closed, then the coin will continue downward and fall into coin receptacle or box 58, However, should the gate stand open-thatis, swu nginward--then the coin b will be deflected into branch runway 85 and roll therefrom into cup 58, located outside of the casing, and from which it may be removed by the operator of the machine. In this case the coin is returned to the operator. Such return of the coin only takes place in case the operator correctly guesses his weight.

The deflecting-gate is thrown to open the coin-tube 35 by means of the magnet 59, the armature 600E which when the gate is closed supports the outer end of arm 82, extending from said gate. Connection is made between battery 81 and magnet 59 by wire 62. From said magnet also extends wire 63, the free end of which rests upon an insulated collar 64:, secured to shaft 50. v This collar is provided with a contact-point 65, which during the rotation of said shaft is brought into contact with wire 63.

Connection is made between the battery 61' and bushing 22 of the set dial by wire 66.

To the set dial 21 there is attached on its inner face a contact-spring 67 and a similar contact-spring 68 on face of dial 18. These contact springs or points are arranged at corresponding points on each dial, so that when the dials are turned to register the same nu inher the springs will be in contact. 'When in this position, the circuit will be from the in ner dial through outer dial and bushing to the battery and from the latter to the magnet. The circuit will then be completed, after insertion of a coin within runway 26, by the weight of the coin deposited within pocket 27 throwing the lever e1 downward and rotating shaft 50 so as to place point 65 of collar 61% in contact with wire (53. magnet 59 will draw the armature 60 inward, releasing arm 32 and permitting same to fall by gravity, so as to swing the deflecting-gate 33 inward. "When in this position, the coin 7),

As th us completed the I dropped or discharged into the coin-tube 35, will be deflected into branch runway Si and from said runway be deposited into cup 58. In case the springs 67 and 68 of the dials do not contact the circuit will remain an open one. In such case the magnet 59 will not act upon its armature 60 to release arm 82 of the deflecting-gate 33, and the said gate will remain closed, permitting the coin to fall into coin receptacle or'box 58.

he shutter 20 is suspended from the inner end of rod 69, hinged in bracket 70. To the outer end of said rod is adjustably secured the weight 71, which is sufiicient to overbalance the weight of shutter 20, so that the moment the inner end of rod (39 is released the shutter will automatically be raised to clear that portion of the scale-dial 21 covered thereby and expose to view the correct weight of the person using the machine, as indicated by said scale-dial 21. Normally the shutter is down, the inner end of its supporting-rod 69 being held up by the extension 71 thereof resting upon lever 41. During the downward movement of this lever, as before explained, the extension 71 is released, when the weighted inner end of rod 69 overbalances the weight of the shutter and lifts same.

To operate the machine, the person desiring to be weighed stands upon the scale-platform, when the scale-dial will be turned until the number indicative of the persons weight is brought into position immediately behind the shutter 20. This dial when its rotation ceases gives the correct weight of the person; but the same is hidden from view and remains so hidden until the shutter has been raised to uncover or expose same to View. The outer or set dial is then turned, or it may be before the person steps upon'the scaleplatform, until the number believed to be the correct weight of the person is in line with arrow 72. A coin is then deposited within the coin-runway. If the correct weight has been guessed, the contact-springs of the dials will engage and make the before-described electrical connection, the circuit being completed as lever 41 is moved downward by the weight of the coin. The closing of the circuit causes the magnet to draw its armature inward, so as to release the deflecting-gate and cause the coin to be discharged into cup 58. Should a correct guess as to weight not be made, then the contact-points of the dials do not engage, and the circuit will remain an open one and the coin will fall into the coin receptacle or box 58. In either case, however, the shutter 20 will be lifted and expose the correct weight of the person. If a correct guess has been made, the exposed numbers of the dial will agree. In case they do not agree a correct guess has not been made, and the operator loses the coin as a payment for 0btaining the correct weight. It will be observed that after the coin has been inserted within its runway the guess or position of the set dial cannot be changed, for, as stated, the act IIO of insertingthe coin operatesthe lever to lock the set dial 21 against movement in either direction.

The invention thus comprises mechanism whereby the user of the machine may register a guess as to his weight prior to depositing a coin within the runway and means for releasing the deposited coin and returning same to the user of the machine in case the weight of the person being weighed corresponds with the number or guess previously indicated or registered as the weight of said person. These features I wish to be understood as claiming, broadly, in whatever form or combination they may be employed to produce the desired result.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure protection in by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a weighing-machine, the combination with the weighing mechanism thereof, of means whereby the user of the machine may register a guess as to weight, and coin-actuated mechanism by means of which the coin deposited within the machine is returned to the user thereof in case the registered guess as to, weight corresponds with that indicated by the weighing mechanism. 7

2. In a weighing-machine, the combination with the weighing mechanism thereof, of means whereby the user of the machine may register a guess as to weight, coin-actuated mechanism whereby the coin deposited within the machine is retained therein or returned to the user of the machine in accordance to whether the registered guess varies from or corresponds with the weight indicated by the weighing mechanism and deviceswhereby the registering means are automatically locked against movement after a coin is deposited and released by the machine being relieved of the users weight.

3. In a weighing- Inachine, the combination of a normally concealed weight-indicator, a separate indicator under the control of the user adapted to be set to his estimate or guess of his weight,- mechanism for exposing the normally concealed weight indicator, and mechanism controlled by the depositof a coin for retaining the coin within the machine, or delivering it exteriorly according to diversity or coincidence between the weight and estimate.

4. In a weighing-machine, the combination of a weight-indicator, a separate indicator under the control of the user adapted to be set to his estimate or guess of his weight, and mechanism controlled by the deposit of a coin for retaining the coin within the machine, or delivering it exteriorly according to diversity or coincidence between the weight and estimate.

5 In a weighing-machine, the combination of a normally concealed. weight-indicator, a separate indicator under the control of the user, adapted to be set to his estimate or guess of his weight, and mechanismcontrolled' by the deposit of a coin for exposing the normally concealed weight-indicatorand retaining the coin withinthe machine or delivering it exteriorly, according to diversity or coincidence between the weight and-estimate.

6. In a coin-actuated weighing-machine, means whereby the user of the machine may register a guess as to weight, and mechanism whereby the coin deposited within the machine is returned to the user thereof provided the registered guess as toweight corresponds with that indicated by the machine.

7. In a coin-actuated weighing-machine, means whereby the user of the machine may register a guess-as to weight, and mechanism whereby the coin deposited within the machine is automatically returned to the user thereof provided. the registered guess as to weight corresponds with that indicated the machine.

8. A weighing-machine comprising ascalemay register a guess as to weight, and coinactuated mechanism connected with the registering means whereby the coin deposited within the machine is returned to the user thereof provided the registered guess as to weight corresponds with the weight as indi-. cated by the scale-dial.

9. Aweighing-machine comprising ascale dial connected with and actuated by the move ment of the scale-platform, means whereby the user of the machine may register a guess as to weight, coin-actuated mechanism whereby the coin deposited within the machine is returned to the user thereof provided the registered guess as to weight corresponds with the weight as indicated by the scale-dial, and devices for automatically locking the registering means after a coin has been deposited within the machine.

10. In a weighing-machine, the combination of a scale-dial, means for operating it by the imposition of the users weight, a set dial.

under the control of the user adapted to indicate his estimate or guess of his weight, a connection between the two dials adapted to be made or broken by their relative positions dependent upon the coincidence or diversity between the weights indicated, and coin-controlled mechanism adapted, according to said coincidence or diversity, to deliver the coin exteriorly, or to retain it within the machine.

11. In a Weighing-machine, the combina cealed dial, and to deliver said coin exteriorly ceases 5 or retain it within the machine, according to the coincidence or diversity in the positions of the two dials.

12. In weighirig-machine, the combination of a scale-dial adapted to be operated by the imposition of the users weight, a set dial under control of the user and adapted to indicate his estimate or guess of his weight, an electric circuit including contacts on the dials which make or break connection according to whether the dials coincide or differ in relative position, and mechanism operated by the deposited coin for completing said electric circuit.

13. In a weighirig-machine, the combination of a scale-dial adapted to be operated by the imposition of the users weight, a set dial under control of the user and adapted to indicate his estimate or guess of his weight, an electric circuit including contacts on the dials which make or orealc connection according to whether the dials coincide or (litter in relative position, and mechanism operated by the deposited coin for completing said electric circuit and delivering the coin exteriorly or retaining it withi the machine according to the coincidence or diversity of the dials.

1i. In a weighing-machine, the combination of a normally concealed scale-dial adapted to be operated by the imposition of the users weight a set dial under control of the user and adapted to indicate his estimate or guess of his weight, an electric circuit including contacts on the dials which make or break connection according to whether the dials c0 incide or dilTer in relative position, and mechanism operated by the deposited coin for eX- posing the normally concealed scale-dial, completing said electric circuit and delivering the coin exteriorly or retaining it within the machine according to the coincidence or diversity of. the dials.

15. In a weighing-machine, the combination with the scale-dial, of a set dial arranged in advance thereof and adapted to be turned by the user of the machine to register agucss to weight, a coin-runwayfor the reception of a coin in payment for the use of the machine, a coin-tube, means for receiving the coin from the runway and delivering same into the coin-tube, a deflecting-gate working within the coin-tube, and electrical means whereby said gate is thrown to open the cointube when the set dial indicates the same number as the scale-dial so as to permit of the coin returning to the user of the machine.

16. The combination with the scale weighing mechanism, of means operated by the user of the machine whereby a guess as to weight may be registered, of coin-actuated mechanism by means of which the coin deposited within the machine is returned to the user thereof in case the registered guess as to weigl'itcorresponds with that indicated by the weighing mechanism, and electrical connection between the registering means, the coinactuated mechanism whereby the circuit is completed and the coin released for return to the user of the machine when the registered guess corresponds with the weight indicated by the weighing mechanism.

17. The combination with the scale weighing mechanism, of a shutter by means of which the number indicative of the persons weight is hidden from view, devices whereby the shutter is automatically released so as to lift and expose the weight-number by a coin deposited within the machine, means operated by the user of the machine to register a guess as to weight, and mechanism whereby the deposited coin is returned to the user of the machine provided the registered guess corresponds with the weight indicated by the scale mechanism.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

GUSTAV W. SCHULTZE.

Witnesses:

N. A, AcKnn, HARRY J. LAsK. 

